What’s the best color for your bathroom vanity? 9 shades designers always choose for a truly timeless design

Whatever the size or style of your bathroom, the vanity is usually the focal point of the space. While the style and size are both important, the color of the vanity has the biggest impact on your design, so it pays to get it right.

Even though the best places to buy bathroom vanities offer plenty of stylish inspiration, it helps to have a clear idea of the most stylish colors for your unit, especially if you're not 100% sure. That's where bathroom vanity ideas and inspiration from designers come in.

I've turned to interior designers who have plenty of experience in designing a bathroom vanity to discover the best colors to choose for a personality-filled yet timeless design. From warm neutrals to moody hues, there's plenty here to inspire.

What’s the best color for your bathroom vanity?

The color you choose to paint your bathroom vanity will really depend on the atmosphere you want to create for your bathroom ideas. Do you want a moody, cozy space, or do you prefer a lighter, more tranquil feel?

'There are several directions to take with vanity color, whether as an opportunity to create contrast, infuse a wink of color, or enhance a palette of soothing pales or neutrals,' says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore.

'Considering the role a vanity will play in a bathroom from an aesthetic standpoint will help drive color decisions. A vanity can become a great focal point in a bathroom, both by using a color that stands out against other materials, as well as the design of the vanity itself.'

Whether you want to create a sense of serenity with natural materials, make a bold statement, or keep things calming with neutrals, these are the colors designers say work best for a bathroom vanity.

1. Keep it classic with white

Even though color trends have been favoring bolder, more saturated hues, you can't get more classic than a white bathroom. But the key to getting it right in 2025 is with contrast and texture.

A white bathroom vanity can feel boring or outdated when not designed thoughtfully, but this design by D+D Home has nailed the look. The Shaker-style drawer fronts give the vanity interest, while the marble countertop adds a luxurious finish.

But what really brings the scheme together and gives the bathroom vanity timeless appeal is the brass details. Dainty drawer knobs, vanity mirror, lighting, and the shower curtain rail finished in brass bring depth and contrast – it's a lesson in how to decorate with white in the bathroom.

2. A fresh shade of blue

If you're working with a white bathroom but want to introduce a touch of color and contrast, a soft, fresh shade of blue is a timeless choice. It's a subtle color, but it's the most classic pairing with white.

'A fresh blue, such as Serenata AF-535, delivers a wink of color that breaks up the use of white tile and shiplap, while furthering the coastal feel of this bathroom,' explains Andrea.

'Since this color falls on the paler end of the spectrum, the use of blue does not create a large degree of contrast. By bringing in this beautiful color, the vanity attracts attention, making the bathroom feel more designed and interesting.'

3. Embrace the pink revival

Although you might not have ever considered pink room ideas for a bathroom, this pretty hue is making a strong comeback. And the right shade – soft and muted – will add a touch of elegance to your bathroom vanity.

'Softer pinks, those without too much blue through them, can be totally flattering to the complexion and are a great color choice for a bathroom vanity,' suggests Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

'Their gentle tone will add some warmth without overpowering the space – think Pink Ground or Setting Plaster in Modern Emulsion for a delicate atmosphere,' he adds, noting that the softer, more muted shades are the best choice.

4. Add texture with natural stone

One of the best ways to create a unique bathroom vanity is to embrace natural materials. Stone, concrete, and wood, in particular, are striking choices for a statement design. And while they aren't necessarily a single color, their natural finish and texture add something a bit different.

'I try to use raw materials left in their natural state. For instance, lately I’m drawn to the strength of stone, thin pieces of wood used in a linear pattern, and custom-built-in vanities, which all contribute to an elevated look,' says interior designer Brittny Button.

In this design, a stone vanity, painted in a soft pink hue, has been paired with wood to create a statement feature that still provides plenty of storage. The bespoke design gives the space a more polished feel, too.

5. Embrace an earthy, muted tone

Looking to the natural world is the perfect way to choose an enduring bathroom vanity color. To avoid getting caught up in trends, softer neutrals with hints of green are a lovely choice, as shown in this bathroom.

'The tranquil essence of Fieldstone 1558 exudes luxury and serenity. Create a sanctuary with this neutral that pairs effortlessly with other light neutrals,' says Andrea, who recommends this particular shade as it's a neutral with an earthy green undertone.

'The resulting look downplays contrast, which results in a calming feel while complementing the other materials used in the bathroom. A touch of silver metallic adds elegance through the drawer hardware, lighting, and fixtures.'

6. Tap into warm neutrals for a timeless vanity

'Neutrals like muted whites or warm taupes are timeless choices that can provide a calm, serene environment. These colors complement a wide range of interior design styles, from modern to traditional, and allow for greater flexibility when choosing other elements like tiles, fixtures, and accessories,' says Burcu Garnier, co-founder of Color Atelier.

The benefit of choosing a neutral color for the bathroom vanity is that it's often easier to design a scheme around it. Plus, it's a hue that's guaranteed to endure bathroom trends. 'Styling a bathroom vanity involves harmonizing it with the rest of the bathroom’s design elements,' Burcu adds.

'If you've chosen a neutral color for the vanity, you can play with textures and finishes to add depth and interest. For instance, pairing a soft gray vanity with brushed nickel or matte black fixtures can create a sophisticated, modern look. Incorporating natural elements like a wooden mirror frame or marble countertop can also add warmth and texture.'

7. Create a chic contrast with a bold choice

However, if you're looking to introduce a bolder color, experts say there's a distinct palette that works best. Vibrant hues, as fun as they may seem, can quickly begin to feel outdated, so opt for a more sophisticated, moody shade instead.

'In this example, a light-filled bathroom features crisp white walls in White Heron OC-57, paired with a white countertop. The depth of Evening Sky 833 on the vanity draws the eye in, creating a focal point while giving the millwork a furniture-like presence,' says Andrea.

'It is a great way to introduce more saturated hues to your home’s color palette. With a handsome blue-violet undertone that is verging on black, this color easily adapts to various tiles, countertops, and other hard surfaces.'

8. Create a statement vanity with darker shades

Andrea isn't the only one who recommends darker hues as a great color for bathroom vanities. While these moodier colors can feel intimidating, many are often considered neutrals – take navy as an example – so they are easier to style in a bathroom than you might think.

'Deep, rich colors like navy, forest green, or charcoal can add a touch of luxury and sophistication. These bold shades work beautifully in contrast with lighter walls or marble countertops, offering a striking balance that feels both modern and elegant,' says Burcu.

You can take two directions if you choose a moody colored vanity. One option would be to lean into the dark hues and create a color-drenched space with a cocooning feel. This would certainly feel dramatic and can work beautifully in small bathrooms.

9. Choose a natural wood vanity for enduring appeal

Warm neutrals and moody hues have long been favorable choices for bathroom vanities, but recently, a more unexpected choice has become a more desirable choice. Wood is a material that people often feel hesitant about using in the bathroom, but interior designers say there is no reason you shouldn't bring it into your scheme.

'We have been on an all-wood vanity kick for a while now. I wouldn't say it's a new trend because wood has always been a classic finish for cabinetry, but it's nice to see it having a popular moment,' says Mollie Ranize, lead interior designer and founder at Dmar Interiors.

It's the quickest way to warm up a room with primarily hard surfaces like tile and stone. No matter the tone or type of wood, or how modern or traditional the actual vanity style is, it's really hard to make them look bad when paired with pretty tile,' she adds.

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The verdict? It seems natural wood tones, warm neutrals, and dramatic, moody hues are the best colors for your bathroom vanity, depending on the atmosphere you want to create and your design style. And while it might seem like a small selection of palettes, each offers so much variety and opportunity to customize your space.

For more design inspiration, we explore the outdated bathroom vanity colors to avoid in our separate piece.